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About us
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Thomas Pierson
Tom was raised and educated in the public schools of Norman, Oklahoma. Among his favorite childhood memories are the evenings he and his family spotted orbiting reflections in the night sky; first of Sputnik, and then of Echo. Perhaps this early experience led to his career with the SETI Institute.
Tom pursued undergraduate studies in aerospace engineering at the University of Oklahoma and received a BBA from O.U. in the early 70's. Over the next dozen years, he moved up the ranks of university research administration, eventually moving to the west coast, earning an MBA along the way, and meeting several SETI scientists.
In 1984, at the encouragement of SETI leaders Barney Oliver, John Billingham, and Jill Tarter, Tom refined a vision he had discussed at an informal scientific social gathering: to form a non-profit research organization, devoted to the study of life in the universe, that could serve as an institutional home for scientists and engineers interested in devoting their careers to SETI related research. After enthusiastic acceptance of this concept, Tom incorporated the SETI Institute on November 20, 1984, and by February, 1985 the Institute received its first grant. At the invitation of the newly formed SETI Institute Board of Trustees, he assumed the administrative lead for the Institute at its inception. Today, in addition to his responsibilities as Chief Executive Officer, he is a member of the Board and Secretary of the corporation.
Pierson is a Member of the International Academy of Astronautics and has received numerous recognitions, including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Public Service Medal. Pierson has served on several non-profit Boards. He is a lifelong golfer, an avid cyclist, and enjoys racquetball. Tom is married and has three children.